“Wake Up, Get a Working Smoke Alarm” Hits the Streets

To combat the alarming rate of non-compliance with Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements in Windsor, the Wake Up, Get a Working Smoke Alarm program was announced by Windsor Fire and Rescue Services earlier this year.Starting today, “Wake Up” is in full swing, and members of Windsor Fire and Rescue are going door to door, checking smoke alarms and educating residents. The “Wake Up” home visits will be conducted over a five-year period in six week blitzes during the spring and fall. “It’s only the first day of the program, and we’re already making a difference,” says Fire Chief Bruce Montone. “We’ve been able to share critical information and help some of our residents outfit their home with working smoke alarms for greater safety and compliance. That’s exactly what we wanted to do.”

In addition to the smoke alarm and education components of the program, Windsor Fire will continue to work closely with Windsor Police and the Office of Fire Marshal to investigate and prevent deliberately set fires. They also ask for public assistance to deter them. “Be alert, know what is going on in your neighbourhood,” advises Chief Montone. “We will also arm our staff with the information necessary to reduce unattended cooking fires.”